Advanced Collective Bargaining

As California’s TK-12 local educational agencies (LEAs) gear up for the 2025-26 school year, they are entering a dramatically different collective bargaining environment—one marked by economic uncertainty, fiscal restraint, and increasingly high-stakes negotiations. While recent years were fueled by historic funding increases and temporary infusions of cash, the tides have turned. Now, LEAs are confronting declining enrollment, falling attendance, expiring one-time funds, and only modest cost-of-living adjustments, all while facing rising operating costs and uncertainty in both the state and federal budgets. Add to that rising fixed costs, workforce pressures, and unpredictable healthcare and pension obligations, and you have a perfect storm that could redefine the limits of what districts can offer at the bargaining table.

Yet despite these fiscal headwinds, labor expectations remain high. Many employee associations—bolstered by the successes of recent years—are doubling down on their demands, advocating for competitive compensation, improved working conditions, and stronger contract language. In this environment, management teams must be more prepared than ever to balance fiscal responsibility with strategic, fair labor practices.

This exclusive School Services of California Inc. webinar, designed specifically for management-side negotiators, will equip participants with the tools and insight needed to lead effective, strategic negotiations amid today’s financial uncertainties.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is for the management side of the table only—if you are going to be involved in negotiations on the management side of the table in 2025-26, this webinar is a “must attend.” We encourage you to register your entire management negotiations team.

Cancellation Policy